Infant sleep garment with detachable sleeves and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Described herein is an infant or toddler sleep device or accessory in the form of a garment with two detachable or non-removable sleeves—one for each arm—to provide gentle pressure on the infant&#39;s arms to reduce the moro (startle) reflex. This device safely mimics the swaddling effect by adequately reducing the startle reflex and flailing of arms and, thus, helping baby sleep safely for longer periods of time. The sleeves may be removed once the startle reflex decreases in intensity and the infant/toddler can still continue to wear the sleep garment to sleep. The sleep device may eliminate the risk of suffocation or overheating that other swaddle or swaddle transition garments or devices might pose.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/068,384 filed on Oct. 12, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/068,316 filed on Oct. 12, 2020 which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/057,899, filed on Jul. 29, 2020, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/577,448, filed on Sep. 20, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,350,677, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/733,637, filed on Sep. 20, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to infant sleepwear, specifically infant sleepwear garments and devices for safe and healthy sleep.

BACKGROUND

Current infant sleep safety guidelines released by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) state that infants should be placed on their backs to sleep in a crib free of blankets, bumpers, plush toys, and other items. Ideally, the guidelines state that babies should share a room with their parents for the first six months to a year of their lives, use a pacifier as a sleep aid, and have a fan for circulating air in the room to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Studies show that the campaigns promoting recent guidelines has in fact reduced the occurrence of SIDS significantly within the last few decades.

However, it has been shown that many infants dislike sleeping on their backs and would much rather sleep more comfortably on their sides or stomach. The cause isn't exactly known, but it is speculated that this may be because of the baby's positioning in the womb, or because of the way humans have evolved over generations, or simply because babies prefer the feeling of snugness that the side laying or belly-down positions provide. This dilemma has been solved by the time-tested practice of swaddling.

Swaddling is the art of wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket (or similar material) with arms straight at their sides so that their extremities are controlled and restricted in movement. To swaddle an infant safely and satisfactorily, one must make sure that the infant's arms are properly immobilized but that the legs and hips are still given some access to horizontal and vertical movement. Swaddling provides babies with the snug, close-fitting environment newborns need and mimics womb-like sensations, and thus inhibits the moro (startle) reflex. Usually, if a baby is not swaddled or swaddled incorrectly, this innate sudden jerking movement or twitching of the arms startles the baby awake repeatedly, leading to little or poor quality sleep for the infant and parents, which is not sustainable in the long term for either party's mental or physical health and well-being.

Although it seems simple in theory, swaddling a baby correctly is something many parents struggle with. Parents not only need to worry about making sure that they have swaddled their baby tightly enough so that the arms can't escape and therefore loosen and unravel the swaddle, but they also have to make sure that the swaddle is not too tight around the hips, legs, and chest, thus affecting breathability or risking hip dysplasia; or swaddling the infant in a blanket or fabric that does not provide proper ventilation and cause baby to overheat. In addition to the above, many parents aren't familiar with different swaddling techniques and end up prematurely discarding the swaddle and its numerous benefits because the baby continuously wriggles free of the confines of the swaddle. This presents another significant problem: the fabric of the swaddle covering the neck and face of the infant and presenting a suffocation hazard. For younger babies, this is not too much of a risk, as they usually do not yet have the strength to break their arms out of the swaddle, but as the baby reaches one month of age, this lack of ability to properly swaddle ends up compromising the same rules that were put in place by the AAP to reduce the number of SIDS' related deaths.

Because of the difficulties mentioned above, many caregivers initially try to swaddle their baby for the first several weeks, but then are quickly forced to abandon the practice and incorrectly believe that their baby just does not like being swaddled, or that their baby is a swaddle “Houdini,” and simply cannot be soothed using the age-old, time-tested formula.

To combat the numerous issues mentioned above in regards to the difficulties in being able to swaddle an infant properly, safely, and effectively, different solutions have been devised and are found in the current retail market—solutions such as swaddle pods, swaddle sacks, swaddle straps, and sleep suits (some zippered and some secured with a hook and loop mechanism), which replace the conventional blanket swaddle. All of these swaddle garments solve one or more of the difficulties that were cited earlier, but simultaneously present other substantial risks or issues (such as overheating, suffocation hazard due to Velcro closure, more freedom of movement for arms, etc.). Due to SIDS' concerns, infants are required to be out of the swaddle once they start rolling over in order to prevent suffocation. All of the swaddles available on the market focus on transitioning the infant out of the swaddle by either taking one arm out at a time, or by completely removing the suit due to concerns of rolling over and suffocating, thus leaving the baby bereft of the security they've developed over months through the sleep association respective sleep garment. Although there are several transitional products available on the market, they either give the baby an elevated amount of freedom to move their limbs or may present potential overheating concerns.

Further, there is no one device that can help infants safely transition out of the swaddle by having the option of trying one product in various different ways. There is also not the option of having one configuration that infants can safely wear well into the toddler years without having to keep changing their sleep garments as they reach different stages of development.

Thus, it would be advantageous to have a swaddle transition device that overcomes the problem of completely eliminating the infant's sleep association that has been established through months of diligent daily swaddle use while also staying true to SIDS' prevention guidelines.

Further, there is also a need for a swaddling device that helps to keep the infant's arms down or contained (in whole or in part) to suppress baby's startles while still allowing for some movement, and to reduce the risk of overheating.

Therefore, there is a necessity for an infant sleep garment device that addresses the interests and complications cited above, as explained and declared in the succeeding drawings and description.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Described herein is an infant wearable blanket or sleepwear device with detachable sleeves that restrain an infant's arms. The infant swaddle device includes two detachable or non-removable sleeves with the option of being attached to a garment such as a full-body wearable blanket (with holes for feet or not), snug-fitting swaddle device, body suit (with legs exposed/unconfined), or full-body pajamas or romper, as an example. In some aspects, the sleeves may be configured to help reduce the startle reflexes of the infant when around the infant's arm while the infant is sleeping while promoting ultimate breathability without placing any additional pressure, layers, or weight on the child's torso. In other aspects, the sleeves may be triangle shaped to provide some resistance and help aid in reducing the baby's premature startles but still allow for full extension, contraction, and movement of the arm.

In other aspects, the sleeves may be generally triangle shaped with elastic components to provide gentle resistance and to dampen the moro (startle) reflex. In other aspects, the sleeves may be layered, and may include padding, to dampen the moro (startle) reflex. In other aspects, the sleeves may include teethers at or near the distal end of the sleeves to sooth the gums of a teething baby. In other aspects, the sleeves may be slightly shorter than standard long sleeves and may include openable mitten cuffs at the distal end to provide resistance and to dampen the moro (startle) reflex when the mitten cuffs are closed and the baby's arms are extended, while still allowing movement. In other aspects, the sleeves may incorporate a pacifier to promote ease and comfort.

In an aspect, the sleeves may be detachable and removable from the garment via an attachment mechanism, so once the infant is ready for more movement or freedom, caregivers can remove the sleeves and continue using the wearable blanket or sleep garment for regular use. For example, the attachment mechanisms may include, but are not limited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, or snaps. In an aspect, an upper edge of the sleeve is operable to rest just below the infant's armpit, and a bottom edge of the sleeve is operable to rest just above the infant's wrist or just under the infant's elbow when the sleeve is placed around the infant's arm.

In some aspects, the sleeve further comprises one or more chambers inside the sleeve operable to hold a layering of fabric to help aid in reducing the baby's premature startles. The layering may include, but is not limited to at least one of a natural or synthetic material, poly-fill fiber, a layer of fabric, or any combination thereof.

Also provided herein is a method of reducing the startle reflexes of an infant through the use of removable sleeves in combination with multiple configurations of sleeping garments.

Beyond what is mentioned above, further implementations, advantages, and original features will be explained in the detailed description and drawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings provided herein illustrate two or more realizations of the aforementioned concept, by way of example only, and not by its limitations.

FIG. 1A is a view of puffy or layered sleeves in quilted pattern on a body suit garment, in an example.

FIG. 1B is a view of the garment of FIG. 1A with a layered sleeve removed.

FIG. 1C is a view of puffy sleeves in a quilted pattern on a full-body pajama garment, in an example.

FIG. 1D is a view of the garment of FIG. 1C with a puffy sleeve removed.

FIG. 1E is a view of puffy sleeves in quilted pattern on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment with a sleeve removed, in an example.

FIG. 1F is a view of the garment of FIG. 1E with a batwing swaddle attachment.

FIG. 2A is a view of layered sleeves with cuffs on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment, in an example.

FIG. 2B is a view of the garment of FIG. 2A with a layered sleeve removed.

FIG. 2C is a view of sleeves with cuffs on a full-body pajama garment, in an example.

FIG. 2D is a view of the garment of FIG. 2C with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 2E is a view of sleeves with cuffs on a body suit garment, in an example.

FIG. 2F is a view of the garment of FIG. 2E with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 3A is a view of sleeves with layers of fabric on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment, in an example.

FIG. 3B is a view of the garment of FIG. 3A with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 3C is a view of sleeves with layers of fabric on a full-body pajama garment, in an example.

FIG. 3D is a view of the garment of FIG. 3C with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 3E is a view of sleeves with layers of fabric on a body suit garment, in an example.

FIG. 3F is a view of the garment of FIG. 3E with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 4A is a view of triangle-shaped sleeves on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment, in an example.

FIG. 4B is a view of the garment of FIG. 4A with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 4C is a view of triangle-shaped sleeves on a full-body pajama garment, in an example.

FIG. 4D is a view of the garment of FIG. 4C with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 4E is a view of triangle-shaped sleeves on a body suit garment, in an example.

FIG. 4F is a view of the garment of FIG. 4E with a sleeve removed.

FIG. 5A is a view of triangle sleeves on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 5B is a view of the triangle sleeves on a body suit garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 6A is a view of layered sleeves in quilted pattern on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment, in an example.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-section of the layered sleeves, in an example.

FIG. 7A is a view of teether sleeves on a wearable blanket with feet with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 7B is a view of the teether sleeves on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment with a sleeve removed, in an example.

FIG. 8A is a view of half-up/half-down sleeves on a snug-fitting zippered swaddle garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 8B is a view of the half-up/half-down sleeves on a full-body pajama garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 8C is a view of the half-up/half-down sleeves on a body suit garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

FIG. 9 is a view of pacifier sleeves on a body suit garment with the sleeves removed, in an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.

Several definitions that apply throughout the above disclosure will now be presented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The connection can be such that the objects are permanently connected or reversibly connected. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, “substantially rectangular” means that the object resembles a rectangle, but can have one or more deviations from a true rectangle. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” mean to include, but not necessarily be limited to the things so described.

Many infants do not respond well to the transitioning swaddles that are currently available and protest the arms being abruptly unrestrained by not sleeping as well or for as long as normal. Also, as the infant reaches the age (usually around three to four months) during which the swaddle becomes unnecessary but is still used as a sleep crutch and association, parents may desire to move the baby away from the swaddle but in a gentle, coaxing manner, one that does not disrupt the successful routine and sleep patterns already in place.

Provided herein is a sleep device for infants or toddlers operable to provide a secure, restrained environment to encourage an infant's arms to stay in a downward position, thus inhibiting the moro or startle reflex. The sleep device described herein may be safely and successfully used by infants or be used as a transition device for older babies. For example, the swaddle device may promote safety and ease in current swaddling practices and techniques, with or without the use of a traditional swaddle.

The present sleep device provides an alternative to the traditional infant swaddle or other traditional infant sleep garments in the form of detachable sleeves that can be implemented with any form of a sleeping garment in the configuration of a swaddle, wearable blanket, sleep sack, body suit, full-body pajamas with orifices for each of the limbs, romper with the child's feet exposed, or any other traditionally accepted sleep garment. In some instances, the detachable sleeves may include layering of fabric therein. In other instances, the detachable sleeves may not include added layering therein. An advantage of the present device is that it can help to easily transition the infant out of the swaddle or be used as a swaddle alternative for those babies who don't prefer to be traditionally swaddled but still have a strong startle reflex. It fulfills the function of soothing the infant's startles, but with a minimalistic approach. Other advantages include that it does not present a suffocation risk due to the arms being properly and separately restrained, and there is no risk of overheating, since the fabric used in this device is minimal, breathable, and not bulky. Another advantage is that the device can be used from the newborn stage until the baby is transitioning out of the swaddle and beyond, and it can be used for older babies due to all the different sleeve options. Another advantage is that when the infant is ready to be unswaddled, the sleeves may function as a buffer to simply comfort the arms while the rest of the body can be unconstrained in a different rendition of the sleeping garment such as a bodysuit with the child's legs left uncovered.

The sleep device provided herein relates generally to a sleep garment device that calms the arms of infants gently while providing a secure environment. In some examples, the device may use added layering of fabric in the sleeves to promote ease and comfort in sleeping. However, in some examples, the device may not use layering of fabric in the sleeves. In other examples, the device may use sleeves with pointed or rounded edges, triangle shaped sleeves with elastic components, sleeves with layers and/or padding, sleeves with teethers (e.g., silicone), sleeves that are slightly shorter than full length and including mitten cuffs, and/or sleeves with pacifier components attached thereto to promote ease and comfort in sleeping. The device may be an alternative to a baby swaddle device or accessory that is configured to act as a swaddle transitioning device or alternative. The effectiveness of the present device is not limited to just one arrangement. For example, the device may be configured to provide security and comfort to the infant in order to reduce the reflexive flailing (moro reflex) and habitual waking patterns that dominate their sleep cycles.

All descriptions of the sleeves pertain to sleeves for a baby garment. Therefore, the components of one individually described or illustrated sleeve may be applied, in whole or in part, to any other individually described or illustrated sleeve without limitation. As a non-limiting example, the teethers incorporated into the sleeves, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, may be included with the layered sleeves, illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. Additionally, one individually described or illustrated sleeve may be added to one arm opening of a baby garment while another individually described or illustrated sleeve may be attached to the opposite arm opening.

The device described herein may provide substantial versatility. The caregiver may select any combination of sleeves according to the preference of the caregiver. In some examples, a first pair of detachable sleeves may be removed and replaced with second pair of sleeves on a specific baby garment. In other examples, a specific pair of detachable sleeves may be removed from a first baby garment and attached to a second baby garment. In other examples, different types of sleeves may be used interchangeably on a specific baby garment. The sleeves may be removed (e.g., detached) and/or attached (e.g., removably attached) with a baby wearing the baby garment or with no baby inside of the garment.

In some embodiments, pairs of detachable sleeves may be switched out (e.g., swapped) from a specific baby garment. In other words, a first pair of detachable sleeves may be removed from the arm openings of the baby garment and, subsequently, a second pair of detachable sleeves may be removably attached to the arm openings of the baby garment. In one example, the second pair of sleeves may be a different type of sleeve than the first pair of sleeves. As a non-limiting example, a pair of sleeves with teethers, illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B, may be removed from a baby garment. Then, a pair of half-up/half-down sleeves, illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, may be removably attached to the baby garment. In another example, the second pair of sleeves may be the same type of sleeve as the first pair of sleeves but may contain a different feature (e.g., arm length, material, color, etc.). As a non-limiting example, a pair of sleeves with pacifiers, illustrated in FIG. 9 , may be removed and a different pair of sleeves with pacifiers may be installed.

In some embodiments, a specific pair of detachable sleeves may be removed from a baby garment and then removably attached to a different baby garment. As a non-limiting example, a pair of the half-up/half-down sleeves may be removed from a zippered swaddle, illustrated in FIG. 8A. That pair of the half-up/half-down sleeves may then be removably attached to a body suit, illustrated in FIG. 8C.

In some embodiments, individual sleeves from different pairs of sleeves may be used interchangeably on the baby garment. For example, a first sleeve may be attached to a first arm opening of the garment and a second sleeve, which is not from the same pair of sleeves as the first sleeve, may be attached to the second arm opening of the garment. In other words, different types of sleeves may be attached to each respective arm opening of the garment. As a non-limiting example, an individual layered sleeve may be removably attached to one arm opening of the garment and an individual half-up/half-down sleeve (e.g., Y-shaped sleeve) may be removably attached to the other arm opening of the garment. In another example, an individual triangle shaped sleeve may be removably attached to one arm opening of the garment and an individual sleeve with a teether at the distal end may be removably attached to the other arm opening of the garment.

As seen in the figures, the sleep device 100 for an infant may include a garment 102 suitable for infant sleep and two sleeves 104 attached to the garment. The garment may include two arm openings 108, each operable to receive an arm of the infant. The sleeves 104 may be attached to the arm openings 108 of the garment 102 via an attachment mechanism 106. The sleeves 104 may be permanently attached or reversibly or removably attached to the garment 102.

The garment 102 may include but is not limited to a wearable blanket (FIG. 7A), a swaddle, or one or two-piece traditional infant sleepwear such as a body suit (e.g. FIGS. 1A, 2E, 3E, 4E, 5B, 8C, and 9 ), a onesie, pajamas, full-body pajamas (e.g. FIGS. 1C, 2C, 3C, 4C, and 8B), a zippered swaddle (e.g. FIGS. 1E, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7B, and 8A), or any other garment that is safe, suitable, or traditionally used for infant or toddler sleep. The garment may be snug fitting on the infant, such as a snug-fitting swaddle. In an example, such as FIG. 1F, the garment 102 may further include an attachment (a “batwing” or an inner band attachment) 110 operable to surround the garment 102 and further secure the garment to create a swaddle-like fit around the infant. The garment 102 may include a front panel, a back panel, and a neck opening. In some examples, the bottom of the garment 102 is enclosed to form a leg pouch. The front panel may include a zippered opening extending downward from a neck opening or a flap configured to conceal at least a portion of the zippered opening. In some examples, the zippered opening may include a dual two-way zipper. The garment may allow for the feet of the infant to be covered or uncovered.

The device 100 may be made of a single piece of fabric or multiple layers of fabric. In some examples, the garment 102 and/or sleeves 104 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 layers of fabric. In at least one example, the sleeves 104 include 4 layers of fabric. The garment 102 and the sleeves 104 may include the same or different number of fabric layers. The fabric may be cotton, fleece, or any other similar fabric type or blend. In an example, the garment 102 may be made of a single layer of fabric and the sleeves 104 may be made of two or more layers of fabric.

The length of the sleeve 104 may range from up to about 10 cm to about 15 cm. The width of the sleeve 104 may range from up to about 5 cm to about 15 cm. In some examples, the width of the sleeve 104 may be about 10.8 cm. For example, an upper edge of the sleeve 104 is operable to rest just below the infant's armpit and a bottom edge of the sleeve 104 is operable to rest just above the infant's wrist or just under the infant's elbow. The sleeve 104 may extend in length substantially from the uppermost or the mid-periphery of the garment 102 to the garment waistline.

In some embodiments, the arm openings 108 in the garment 102 may extend from the shoulder down to the infant or toddler's chest, so that there is bagginess or an extra or seemingly unnecessary portion of fabric leading into the arm opening 108 to allow the child to have full range of movement but still be able to safely feel the edges of the sleeve 104 for comfort and security.

In an embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4A-4F, the sleeves 104 may be triangle shaped and pointed at the end where the child's hand may rest to provide some resistance and help aid in reducing the baby's premature startles but still allow for full extension, contraction, and movement of the arm. The triangle shaped sleeves 104 do not restrict movement of the infant's arms but only provide edges to mimic a womb-like environment to soothe the child's startles. In some aspects, the triangle shaped sleeve may have an opening or slit by or at the wrist so the child may be able to leave their hand out of the sleeve for ventilation, self-soothing, or warmth. In some examples, the triangle sleeves may include a built-in silicone teether or a pacifier at the end of pointed end. In another embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2F, the sleeves may further include a cuff at the wrist end to function as a fold-over mitten mechanism to cover the hand for added security, warmth, comfort, or to prevent scratches.

In an embodiment, the sleeves may be attached to openings in the garment through the use of an attachment mechanism for safety and durability. Non-limiting examples of the attachment mechanism include snaps, buttons, zippers, or hook-and-loop closure (Velcro). Each sleeve may be detachable from the arm openings in a bodice or torso portion of the garment, such that detaching a sleeve leaves the opening at a side of the garment, through which the infant can extend their arm (or arms, if both sleeves are removed) out of the garment, as seen in FIGS. 1B, 1D, 1E, 1F, 2B, 2D, 2F, 3B, 3D, 3F, 4B, 4D, 4F, 5A, 5B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 9 . The sleeves may be removed once the startle reflex decreases in intensity and the infant can still continue to wear the sleep garment to sleep. This allows for the same garment to be used at various sleep stages of the infant. In another embodiment, the sleeves may be non-removable from the garment.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 of the sleep garment 102 device 100 may include a layered method with fabric. The layering of fabric in the sleeves 104 may further encourage the feeling of security for infants by mimicking a swaddling environment to soothe the child's startle and involuntary reflexes and may also provide additional warmth and security to the infant. Layered sections of the sleeves 104 apply gentle pressure on the infant's arms and help to keep their arms lowered as is recommended for swaddling in the supine position. This way, when the neurological reflexive twitching occurs while the infant is sleeping, he is able to stay asleep and not wake up prematurely. In some examples, the layered sleeves may still allow full extension, contraction, and movement of the infant's arm.

The layering may be accomplished by changing the thickness of the sleeve 104, the amount of fabric, and/or fabric used. In some examples, the sleeve 104 may hold a thick, heavy fabric with a high TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) or a lighter fabric for insulation. In various examples, the layering in the sleeves may be of material that is safe for use in children's clothing products, such as, but not limited to: poly-fill fiber or weighty fabric with a different (or similar) TOG than that of the body of the item, or any other item that is acceptable for this purpose. In some examples, the layering of the fabric may be placed between two layers of fabric in the sleeve 104, as is FIGS. 3A-3F. In at least one example, the sleeve 104 has three layers, with a light, air-filling polyfill fiber layer encased within the middle two layers. This may be done in order to continue to suppress the baby's moro reflex while still allowing for a slight increase in movement of the infant's arms, thus maximizing on comfort without the use of additional weight.

In an example, the subpanels or chambers may be in the form of quilting within two or more layers of the sleeve, as seen in FIGS. 1A-1D. In some examples, the weighting may be visible on the outside of the sleeves. In other embodiments, the weighting may be within individual chambers hidden inside the outer layer of fabric.

Also provided herein is a method of reducing startle reflexes of an infant. The layered sleeves prevent the baby's arms from unnecessarily moving about in an uncontrolled fashion and negatively hindering the previously established sleep patterns for healthy and developmentally appropriate sleep.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, sleeves 104 may not include additional layering therein. However, other features previously discussed, above, may be incorporated into different embodiments of sleeves 104 that do not contain additional layering therein.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 may be triangle shaped, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5A-5B. The sleeves 104 can form a generally triangular shape, which may provide gentle resistance. The sleeves 104 may be similar to the sleeves 104 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F. Additionally, the sleeves 104 can include one or more elastic components 112 to dampen the moro (startle) reflex, while still allowing for full and complete range of movement (e.g., the capacity to roll over) for infants. The elastic components 112 can include, for example, elastic fabric, elastic parts, elastic thread, or a combination thereof. The distal end of the sleeves 104 can be pointed or rounded.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 may include one or more layers 114, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 6A-6B. For example, the sleeves 104 can include multiple, padded layers 114. In one example, the sleeves 104 can include three layers 114, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, which can include a first outer layer 116, an inner layer 118, and a second outer layer 120. The first outer layer 116 and the second outer layer 120 can be fabric and can include a quilted pattern of any shape (e.g., a diamond shape as shown in FIG. 6A). The inner layer 118, which may be enclosed by the first outer layer 116 and the second outer layer 120, may include polyfiber filling, polyester filling, or a combination thereof. The inner layer 118 (e.g., polyfiber or polyester filling) may define a thickness (e.g., puffiness) of the sleeves 104. Such thickness can vary between approximately 0-inches and approximately 3-inches, which may dampen the moro (startle) reflex of the baby.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 may include one or more teethers 122, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7A-7B. In one example, the teether 122 can be attached at or near the distal end of the sleeve 104. In other examples, the teether 122 can be attached to other locations on the sleeve 104. In some embodiments, the teether 122 may be removably attached to the sleeves 104. In other embodiments, the teether 122 may be non-removably attached to the sleeves 104. The teether 122 may include a material that is appropriate for soothing an infant or toddler's gums when teething (e.g., silicone). The teether 122 can be generally circular (e.g., ring-shaped) or semi-circular.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 may be half-up/half-down sleeves, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 8A-8C. In one example, the sleeves 104 extend upwards and/or outwards in a Y-shape, and the distal end of the sleeves 104 terminate above the shoulders of the garment 102. The sleeves 104 may include the cut of the fabric and/or the direction of sewing to bias the distal ends of the arms of the baby to extend above the shoulders of the baby. In some examples, the sleeves 104 may allow for the baby to lower the distal ends of its arms below its shoulders. The sleeves 104 can include a mitten cuff 124 (e.g., fold over mitten cuff) at the distal end of the sleeves 104. The mitten cuff 124 can be selectively openable (e.g., by a caregiver), which can expose the hand of the baby. Such exposure can allow the baby to access its hands, which can allow the baby to put its hands in its mouth. For example, FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate one of the baby's hands is exposed (on the left side of the figures) while the baby's other hand is enclosed in the mitten cuff 124 (right side of figures). The sleeves 104 can be slightly shorter than a standard long sleeve length, which creates resistance if the arms of the baby are fully extended and the mitten cuffs 124 are closed. The sleeves 104 may allow for complete range of movement for baby while also providing the resistance, which may dampen the moro (startle) reflex of the baby.

In some embodiments, the sleeves 104 may include one or more pacifiers 126, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 9 . The sleeves 104 can include a piece of fabric 128, which can be removably attached at or near the distal end of the sleeves 104. The piece of fabric 128 can be attached to the sleeves 104 via an attachment mechanism, which may include snaps, buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop closure (Velcro), or a combination thereof. The piece of fabric 128 can be removed from the distal end of the sleeve 104, leaving a standard sleeve 104 without a pacifier 126. The piece of fabric 128 can be generally square, circular, triangular, diamond, or rectangular in shape. In some examples, the pacifier 126 can be integrally formed with the piece of fabric 128. In some examples, the pacifier 126 can be removably attachable to the piece of fabric 128, which may include a complementary attachment mechanism for directly attaching the base of the pacifier 126 to the piece of fabric 128. In one example, a snap ring 130 can be attached or removably attachable to the piece of fabric 128. The snap ring 130 may include two strips of fabric, each strip having one end attached to the piece of fabric 128 and a second end that is free. Each free end may include a portion of a snap (e.g., a socket or a stud), so that the free ends may be connected when the portions of the snap are removably coupled together. The snaps may be coupled together by friction fit, magnetism, or a combination thereof. The snap ring 130 can be used to removably attach a device (e.g., a teether or a pacifier) to the piece of fabric 128, which can be removably attached to the sleeve 104. In one embodiment, the sleeve 104 may also include a fold over mitten cuff (not shown in FIG. 9 ) to allow for the baby's hand to be exposed if desired.

In some embodiments, a kit can include any or all of the components regarding the device 100 described herein. The kit may be provided in a container (e.g., packaging) and may optionally include one or more instruction guide. In one example, the kit includes at least one garment 102 and at least one pair of sleeves 104 including triangle shaped sleeves, layered sleeves, teether sleeves, half-up/half-down sleeves, pacifier sleeves, or a combination thereof.

Although the invention described herein has been written about in detail, it should be appreciated that alterations, changes, and replacements may be made within the design without swaying from the original purpose and possibility of the invention in its most comprehensive arrangement. The illustrations provided are simply to be used as descriptors only and not restrictive in any manner, form, or purpose. Thus, other characterizing embodiments may be added to the design of the invention without straying from the fundamental characteristics mentioned herein. All such comparable embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention discussed herein, are contemplated thereby, and proposed to be protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleep device for an infant comprising: a garment suitable for infant sleep having two arm openings, each operable for receiving an arm of the infant; and two sleeves attached to the arm openings of the garment, wherein the sleeves are detachable from the garment, and wherein the sleeves are operable to surround the infant's arms such that the infant's elbows are positioned within the sleeves.
 2. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are triangle shaped, include a rounded or pointed edge, and include at least one elastic component, wherein the sleeves are configured to provide resistance to dampen the Moro reflex.
 3. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves include a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers including at least one inner layer of filling between two outer layers of fabric, wherein the inner layer of filling is configured to dampen the Moro reflex.
 4. The sleep device of claim 3, wherein the inner layer of filling includes a filling component, polyfiber filling, or polyester filling.
 5. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves include a material to soothe the infant's gums at the distal end of the sleeves.
 6. The sleep device of claim 5, wherein the silicone teether is a semi-circular shape and is removably attachable to the sleeves.
 7. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves extend upward or outwards in a Y-shape with the distal ends of the sleeves above the infant's shoulders, wherein the sleeves are shorter than a standard sleeve, wherein the sleeves are configured to provide resistance to dampen the Moro reflex.
 8. The sleep device of claim 7, wherein the distal ends of the sleeves include a mitten cuff enclosing the infant's hands, wherein the mitten cuff is operable to open and expose the infant's hands.
 9. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves include an attachment mechanism to receive and retain a piece of fabric, wherein the piece of fabric includes a pacifier attached thereto.
 10. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are reversibly attached to the garment using a zipper, a hook-and-loop closure, buttons, or snaps.
 11. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the infant's arm extends out of the garment through the arm opening when a sleeve is detached from the garment.
 12. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from a wearable blanket, a sleep sack, a bodysuit, a onesie, pajamas, a swaddle, or any other garment that is safe and suitable for infant or toddler sleep.
 13. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the arm openings in the garment extend from the infant's shoulder down to the infant's chest, such that that there is bagginess or an extra or seemingly unnecessary portion of fabric leading into the arm opening.
 14. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a front panel and a back panel.
 15. The sleep device of claim 14, wherein the front panel comprises a zippered opening extending downward from a neck opening or a flap configured to conceal at least a portion of the zippered opening.
 16. The sleep device of claim 1, wherein each of the two sleeves attached to the arm openings of the garment are individually interchangeable with one or more sleeves that are a different type.
 17. A kit comprising: a garment suitable for infant sleep having two arm openings, each operable for receiving an arm of the infant; and at least one pair of sleeves, the at least one pair of sleeves being removably detachable from the garment, and wherein the at least one pair of sleeves includes triangle shaped sleeves, layered sleeves, teether sleeves, half-up/half-down sleeves, or pacifier sleeves.
 18. A method of using a sleep device, the method comprising: placing an infant inside the sleep device of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are operable to provide some resistance and help aid in reducing the infant's premature startles.
 19. The method of claims 18, wherein the sleeves allow for full extension, contraction, and movement of the arm.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing at least one sleeve from the garment using an attachment mechanism. 